Sarissa Montague gives insight into potential reasons why Comprehensive Therapy embezzlement case may not move forward in court
In a now closed case involving the Comprehensive Therapy Center (CTC) declining to pursue criminal charges after reporting suspected fraud and embezzlement of money meant for employees’ retirement accounts, Markou Montague Levine Defense Partner Sarissa Montague spoke with WZZM about potential reasons why the case isn’t moving forward.
The nonprofit organization abruptly ended operations, leaving employees without jobs and families looking to replace therapy services. On Aug. 4, CTC’s Board told Grand Rapids Police officers that the center’s executive director had failed to transfer money withheld from employee paychecks into their 401(k) accounts, WZZM reported. The board discovered the issue on July 15 after an employee raised concerns about discrepancies in a paycheck, the police report states. Police estimated more than $50,000 was involved, though investigators noted it was unclear whether any of that money had already been spent.
The following day, an officer wrote that the center “did not want to press charges” and would not cooperate with prosecutorial efforts. GRPD closed the case without charges, citing a lack of cooperation from the reported victim. Police said the center told them they were conducting an internal investigation.
“There are many reasons why an organization or a person or a victim of any sort would not want to move forward with a prosecution,” Montague, who is not connected to the case, told WZZM. “Particularly in an embezzlement where you have bank records and processes and procedures, it’s very difficult to move forward without the cooperation of a complaining party.”
According to the police report, the victim didn't cooperate with officers on scene and will not cooperate with prosecutorial efforts in this case. The case is closed without charges being filed.
Watch the full interview, here.
